Earthquake in Iran/Iraq Update

The death toll of the magnitude 7.3 earthquake that hit the region of the Iran/Iraq border left at least 445 people dead and thousands injured in western Iran, and at least eight dead on the Iraq side of the border. Many buildings and cars were destroyed and people slept in the streets in fear of aftershocks. The quake was felt as far away as Turkey and Pakistan.

E.U. Moving Towards Joint Defense Force

With President Trump pulling the United States ever farther back into isolation, many E.U. countries are considering a joint military force. An important step in this direction was taken on Monday, as 23 of the 28 member countries signed up for joint military program to invest in equipment, research and development. The French foreign minister said the agreement was “a commitment for countries to do better together,” noting that it “comes at a time of significant tension” in Europe. Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany said that “the era in which we could fully rely on others is over to some extent,” and that “we Europeans truly have to take our fate into our own hands.”

Digital Pill Approved

The Food and Drug Administration has approved for the first time a digital pill, a medication embedded with a sensor that can tell doctors whether, and when, patients take their medicine. Patients who fail to comply with the treatment prescribed by their doctor cost almost $100 billion a year, according to estimates, since they end up getting sicker and needing additional treatment or hospitalization. Patients who agree to take the digital medication can sign consent forms allowing their doctors and up to four other people, including family members, to receive electronic data showing the date and time pills are ingested. A smartphone app will let them block recipients anytime they change their mind.

Italy Out of World Cup

Despite the support of 74,000 fans, Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in six decades after a scoreless tie with Sweden in the San Siro stadium on Monday. Sweden will be back for the first time since 2006, thanks to their 1-0 victory in the first-leg match in Stockholm.

In the Brazilian national soccer championship, after losing to Chapecoense last night, Santos kissed goodbye to any chance of winning the title.